Family: Nyctaginaceae
Mirabilis jalapa
Citation:
L., Sp. P1. 177 (1753).
Synonymy: Not Applicable Common name: Marvel-of-Peru, four o'clock.
Description:
Glabrous or glandular-pubescent perennial herb, with perennating tubers, erect to 60 cm or more, branched; leaves oblong to triangular, 2.5-15 X 1.5-9 cm, usually more or less cuneate to the base, sometimes with undulate margins, paler on the lower surface.
Flowers in clusters of 3-7 on peduncles up to 6 mm long; lower part of perianth oblong, c. 5 mm long; upper part funnel-shaped, white, yellow, red or multicoloured, 4-5 cm long; stamens and style long-exserted; anthocarp 7-8 mm long.
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Image source: fig. 104c in Jessop J.P. & Toelken H.R. (Ed.) 1986. Flora of South Australia (4th edn).
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Published illustration:
Macoboy (1969) What flower is that?, fig. 647.
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Distribution:
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Several records of its occurrence in waste places in the SL justify its inclusion although it is probably nowhere truly naturalised in S.Aust. Native to Peru; widely cultivated and naturalised or an occasional escape in warm parts of the world.
S.Aust.: FR, NL, SL, SE.
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Conservation status:
naturalised
Flowering time: No flowering time is available |
SA Distribution Map based
on current data relating to
specimens held in the
State Herbarium of South Australia
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Biology:
No text
Author:
Not yet available
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